Category Archives: Family

My 89-year-old mother passed away on Friday 13 January, 2023. We held her funeral service and buried her on Friday 20 January. As the last remaining coherent member of her immediate family, I was asked to speak at her funeral. … Continue reading →

My 89-year-old father has begun a rapid cognitive decline. Affected, no doubt, by the quarantine imposed on his retirement community in response to the pandemic, he has been afflicted recently by hallucinations.  He sees random strangers in his apartment, and … Continue reading →

When my 12-year-old daughter, Charlotte, asked me what I wanted her to buy me for Father’s Day, I told her to save her money — but I would gladly accept something that she made for me. So she made me … Continue reading →

From my 12-year-old son on my 60th birthday: To dad: This year has been awesome with you.  I can’t think of a time in which I have not looked up to you as a great role model.  You teach me … Continue reading →

To Lily (age 18), Emma (16), Sam (14), Louis (11), and Charlotte (11): As you know, today I am undergoing surgery for prostate cancer. Although my prognosis is good, and the surgeon is confident, any surgery carries risk. I’ve never … Continue reading →

My sister passed away, suddenly, on June 18.  Hundreds of people — relatives, friends, co-workers, even former patients — attended her memorial service. On behalf of the family, I was asked to deliver the eulogy. Although I speak at conferences … Continue reading →

Our two sons, ages 13 and 10, are inseparable.  They play baseball, basketball, and soccer together in the back yard, and share a bedroom. They often bicker, too. Actually, they bicker constantly, with the older son criticizing the younger son … Continue reading →

My eldest daughter has had a challenging senior year in high school.  Although she made the varsity soccer team, she rarely plays; just last week, she made a six-hour road trip with the team and didn’t play at all.  She … Continue reading →

My three youngest children — ages 11, 8, and 8 — all played Little League baseball this summer.  I enjoyed watching them play, as it took me back to my own childhood when I would spend the better part of … Continue reading →